New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal’s eastern zone bench has questioned the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board’s handling of an inspection into alleged illegal stone mining in Sahibganj, saying its affidavit appeared aimed at creating a “fake impression” that no violations had occurred.Hearing a plea filed by Tausip Shaikh against JSPCB and the Sahibganj deputy commissioner, Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Ishwar Singh noted that the joint committee inspected the site on July 17, two months after the tribunal’s May 18 order.The committee denied allegations of illegal mining and the use of JCB machines and tractors. However, the bench said no explanation had been given for not conducting the inspection immediately after receiving notice and before the monsoon. It said the affidavit did not address allegations concerning mining during the period cited in the application and relied on the site being waterlogged.The tribunal directed JSPCB to file a response addressing those allegations. It also gave the Sahibganj DC four weeks to submit mining records and details of steps taken by the district task force. Failure to comply would require the officer to appear in person or virtually. The matter will be heard next on Sept 3.
